1926 Harley Davidson JD Motorcycle Harley introduced the first ofits Model J, F-head, V-twin motorcycles in 1915. The first modelhad a 61 cubic inch, two-cylinder engine, a three-speedtransmission and electric lighting. The Harley Model Js proved tobe quite successful and the company continued production through1929, continuously making refinements and improvements along theway. For the 1926 model year, Harley offered four models in the Jseries: the 61 cubic inch J Solo & JS Sidecar which retailed at$315, and the larger and more expensive 74 cubic inch JD Solo andJDS Sidecar which sold for $335. 3,749 of the smaller J motorcycleswere sold and 9,544 of larger and more expensive JDs were built andsold this year. 1926 was the first year Harley offered a mufflercutout to deflect the exhaust gasses away from the rider. Thesemodels also featured a handlebar mounted switch panel with a keylock and control levers. This barn find Model JD dates from 1926.By 1926, the JD had become quite advanced compared to itspredecessors and offered the latest refinements, which would becarried through into the final production year of 1929. Having justbeen removed from long-term storage, this desirable JD is incompletely unrestored condition. The key mechanical components suchas the frame, front fork, engine, transmission and driveline appearto be mostly complete and in restorable condition. These componentsstill retain lots of original paint and appear to be in good, solidcondition, although certainly in need of mechanical and cosmeticrestoration. On the crankcase, the engine is clearly stamped withthe numbers 26JD12964, which indicates that it is indeed adesirable JD model from 1926. The original 74 cubic inch, V-twinengine has been frozen from sitting for many years but appears tobe mostly complete with the exception of some minor ancillaryitems. The three-speed transmission and shifter assembly are intactas is the chain drive assembly. Both wheels also appear to becorrect for a 1926 model and look to be in solid, restorablecondition. The frame assembly still wears some of its originalpaint, which is certainly well-worn but has a charming look aboutit. The gas tank has its fair share to dents and dings as do bothfenders. It appears that some of the parts were removed at somepoint and re-attached to the frame using modern hardware. The seatassembly appears to be correct and original with remains of what islikely to be the original leather covering. The front fork assemblyappears intact. On the top of the handlebars is the original dashpanel with its two push button controls and the ammeter. Theheadlamp assembly is missing as well as some of the throttle andcontrol linkages. This desirable 1926 Harley Davidson JD offers thenext owner a variety of options. Most likely, this motorcycle wouldbe a solid basis for a complete restoration. Another option wouldbe to restore the mechanical components and preserve the originalcosmetic surfaces. In todays marketplace, very few pre-WWIImotorcycles exist that have not been restored. This rare andunrestored 1926 JD is certainly an exciting and worthwhile projectthat will give its new owner future rewards.